hsCRP or high sensitivity C - Reactive Protein, Cardiac

Type 1 and LADA
1

Hi TU Crew,

Do your doctors regularly monitor hsCRP? Mine has been monitoring it for a year and it is very high, persistently >8 [mg/L]. I understand it’s a marker of inflammation in the body and is a risk factor for CVD. Origanlly I thought it might have been an infection but the persistence is bothering me. I’ve been reading up on it which has got me all up in angst.

Certainly not looking for a diagnosis- just looking for your experiences. As always, Thanks for the support!

2

I only have passing familiarity with this test so take this info for what it is. You probably know these things already, but Since this test is a general measure of inflammation, if you have inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, that pretty much invalidates this test as a marker for cardiovascular risk. Also, if you have diabetic complications already, you may have a tendency to test high.

My endo has never ordered this test and he's usually pretty throrough.

3

I had that tested 2-3 x maybe. Once with my endo, once with a cardiologist and once with my gp recently. It was in the good range each time. Are you doing anything to treat potential cvd?

4

Since I have severe RA, my Rheumatologist adds the CRP to my lab tests to assess for inflammation. I have not had the hs-CRP test however. My Lipids are good.

5

I am not treating potential CVD yet but it looks like it’s time.

6

I am sorry you have RA in addition to your diabetes. Good news that your lipids are stable! Thank you for the reply.

7

Thank you for the reply - I'm going to follow up with my endo.

8

I have had almost every blood test known to man but never had a CRP test.

Since it came back high has he ordered any other screening like a Nuke-stress test, Bubble echocardiogram, or a Cardiac cauterization? Maybe it's just something he likes to routinely run...doctors tend to have cookie cutter routines...maybe it's just part of his...

9

No other tests run. I went back to see the doctor today and he wasn't concerned about immediate risk. Now I understand systemic inflammation might not be uncommon in diabetics. I just have do what I can to reduce it as a risk factor:

Exercise and a better A1C
Lots of Omega - 3, Folic acid and Vitamin C
CoQ10 + Statin

Whew...